Category: Construction Blogs

Caterpillar has added another GC-designated machine to its equipment lineup, the Cat 120 GC motor grader. The machine is engineered for a range of applications that include government and municipal work, county road maintenance and finish grading.

The GC tag represents a value-oriented design for small to medium-size contractors that don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles of a high-spec production machine. It’s a simpler machine for a variety of tasks. The owning and operating costs for the new 120 GC can be 20 percent lower than a standard Cat 120 motor grader, thanks to better fuel economy and a lower price, says Eric Kohout, product application specialist.

“The Cat C4.4 twin-turbo engine pairs nicely with the torque-converter drive transmission,” says Kohout. The transmission with torque converter eliminates the need for an inching pedal, so only throttle and brake pedals are required, which simplifies operation. “If you’re on and off of that inching pedal all day and wearing your leg out, this is an alternative where you can control the machine with just the throttle and brake,” says Kohout.

The 171-horsepower engine is matched to the standard rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, and the eco mode operation increases fuel economy up to 5 percent. The hydraulic cooling fan, with an optional reversing fan for high-debris applications, only runs when necessary to further reduce fuel consumption. The 120 GC is also Cat’s lowest-weight motor grader, some 2,000 pounds lighter than the standard 120, says Kohout.

The steering wheel steering and lever controls are familiar to many and simplify operation.CaterpillarSimplified Operation

A no-spin differential on the 120 GC gives operators simplified operation. “A lot of times operators will forget to activate and deactivate the differential, and this can cause the machine to buck,” says Kohout. “The no-spin differential means if it’s going forward, it is locked up and pulling all the wheels for maximum tractive effort. When you go into a turn, it unlocks automatically. It’s one less thing for the operator to think about.” 

The parking brake automatically engages when the machine is in neutral and the service brake is disengaged. If underfoot conditions require it, there is a simple on-off system for the optional all-wheel drive.

Maintenance and replacement parts play a role in owning and operating costs as well. Cat built the 120 GC motor grader with long-life machine structures for reliable operation, including the standard drawbar circle moldboard that increases durability with hardened circle teeth and replaceable wear inserts that protect the main component structures. This design stays factory tight to enable precision grading long term.

Damage Prevention

The circle drive slip clutch option on the Cat 120 GC protects the drawbar, circle and moldboard from damage if the machine strikes an immovable object. The circle saver option also reduces daily greasing requirements and repairs to the circle and pinion. Additionally, the grader’s new front axle design maximizes bearing life to minimize maintenance. 

A newly designed mid-mount scarifier improves visibility to the attachment while decreasing overall machine length. “The advantage is that it allows the operator more movement of the drum or circle moldboard within the mid-mount scarifier, so you’re not hitting the sides of the scarifier as often,” says Kohout.  “And it installs easily. It just wraps around and bolts to the front of the machine without any welding or brackets needed. It also allows a plate in front of it, so you can attach a push block or a front lift group,” he says.

To improve machine performance, the 120 GC also features a common front bolster for a choice of front lift group, counterweight, or front blade option, which aids in spreading more material faster. The rear of the machine accommodates a ripper or tow-hitch option. Moldboard options include lengths of 10, 12 and 14 feet.

Wheel steering

Cat kept the familiar steering wheel and lever layout for the 120 GC the same as the 120, 140 and 160K models. For operating comfort, the cab offers a choice of mechanical or air suspension seat.

And the control console and steering wheel easily adjust to the operator’s preference. A narrow machine width of 7.9 feet, plus a choice of cabs (standard or low profile), can reduce overall transport height to 10.25 feet to enhance transportability.

Quick Specs

Engine: Cat C4.4Net power, Tier 4 Final/Stage V: 171 hpNet power, Tier 3 equivalent: 171 hpWeight Tier 4 Final/Stage V: 35,494 lbs.Weight Tier 3/Stage IIIA equivalent: 31,424 lbs.Moldboard width: 12 ft.
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Alta Equipment reported an increase in net revenues of 33.7 percent year-over-year in Q3, rising to $295 million this year. In addition, the company’s construction and material handling revenues were $184.7 million and $110.3 million, respectively, during the quarter.

“Our operating performance in the third quarter reflects our flexible business model and our ability to produce strong financial results in a supply-constrained market,” says Alta CEO Ryan Greenawalt. “Both our Construction and Material Handling business segments delivered year over year revenue growth leading to a 43.4% increase in adjusted EBITDA. Our high level of new and used equipment sales in the first three quarters of the year are expected to continue to drive future high-margin product support revenue.”

Alta continues to drive growth through mergers and acquisitions. During the quarter, Alta expanded its warehousing and logistics capabilities in the material handling business with the acquisition of Baron, an established provider of dock and door sales, service, and installation that services customers in the greater New England area.

“We continue to see significant customer demand across all our business segments and anticipate finishing the year on a high note. The growth in our core markets combined with our expanded capabilities in our material handling business, our entry into the electric vehicle market, and our recent acquisitions have positioned us well for future success,” says Greenwalt.

Starting off Q4 strong, Alta closed on the acquisition of Ohio-based Gibson Machinery on October 1. Gibson expands Alta’s presence in the Midwest and adds several new original equipment manufacturing partners while presenting an opportunity to expand its service operations in the Midwest region.

Alta now has 55 locations across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, New England, New York, Virginia, Florida and Ohio.

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B2W Software has introduced a new API within its One Platform that streamlines equipment inspection and repairs and also ties together inspection and maintenance software with its other applications.

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a software program that allows two other separate software applications to talk to one another in a common language. With it, information in one application can automatically populate fields in another application.

The B2W Maintain equipment maintenance application within the One Platform can now generate repair requests automatically based on data from electronic forms used for completing equipment inspections. The process relays detailed information from equipment inspections to the maintenance team immediately. By eliminating lag time and manual steps for transferring this data, contractors can identify and complete equipment repair work more efficiently and break down information silos in their company.

“Along with the equipment maintenance module and the B2W Inform module for e-forms and reporting, the B2W platform includes applications for estimating, field tracking and resource scheduling,” says Greg Norris, marketing communications director. “When all of these are managed cohesively, there’s a tremendous opportunity for more efficiency.”

Going paperless

B2W’s inspection form can be set up to share data with maintenance and other applications instantly and automatically.B2W

In addition to enabling the different applications to talk to one another, B2W says its portfolio of products enable construction companies to run their business without generating mountains of paperwork. Paper forms slow down the flow of information, and it’s a difficult, manual process to build reports, identify trends and track KPIs, says John Kane, product manager. “Electronic forms make it faster and easier to capture better data and to make that data actionable.”

In a paper-based equipment inspection process, a form identifying repair needs might go from an operator to a foreman or supervisor, says Norris. The form could sit in the truck until the supervisor gets back to the office and then go in a stack that the shop may not get to for another week or two.

With a paperless system as soon as you hit the send button, the maintenance shop knows instantly and can make decisions that day on what priority to give this repair.

Customization

The B2W Inform e-forms application is customizable says Kane. “You can even recreate your old paper forms in a digital format and pick up where you left off to use the product right away. A shop manager might create the equipment forms. Other managers or administrators might create various forms for safety, HR and other requirements.”

One of the advantages with the electronic equipment inspection forms is they can be specific to each piece of equipment, says Norris. “With paper, because it was so hard to manage, you might use a general equipment inspection form. But each piece of equipment has its own unique things that you may want to inspect. With the electronic forms you can create a form for every category of equipment versus using a generic form across all equipment. And this has clear advantages in terms of the quality of data, you collect.”

Implementation

Setting up a construction company with B2W Maintain, including the paperless inspection process takes some time and effort, but says Kane, it’s not rocket science.

“If you have B2W for estimating and field tracking and you add B2W for equipment maintenance, you have the operational database mostly in place,” says Kane. “There’s a continuity there as opposed to choosing an equipment program from a third party. “You’re part of the way there already.”

The implementation of the maintenance software at that point is much less cumbersome simply because your equipment, your users and resources are in the system, says Kane. “It’s basically adding more detail about the equipment and adjusting your maintenance processes to optimize the software.”

“Some contractors buy the whole B2W platform at once, and some people buy a module at a time,” says Norris. “With the B2W Inform application, we have a library of basic forms you can use as a starting point. It’s a drag and drop process. It’s not something you need an IT department to do. Almost anybody can create forms and build reports.”

Timelines

B2W training and implementation teams work with contractors to get them up and running says Kane. The training and implementation timeframe will depend on type and number of B2W applications as well as the complexity of the data you want to manage.

“From customer to customer, every data set can be completely different,” says Kane. So we implement the product based on their business needs and how they want to do business and train towards that. We do a lot of analysis upfront. This gives them a product at the end that is very specific, familiar, and allows them to hit the ground running.”

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When the Toro Dingo line of compact utility loaders was first introduced, it was about the smallest machine anyone could have imagined. But that didn’t stop contractors from enthusiastically embracing the machine and the concept. (These machines are also called mini skid steers and utility track loaders.)

The latest version of the machine, the 1,300-pound-rated-operating-capacity Dingo TX 1300 was unveiled at the American Rental Association show in October and brings more power, reach and control to the popular platform. “This is designed for contractors who need increased power and reach,” says Jay Thaker, marketing manager, Toro.

The TX 1300 features what the company calls its Intelliscope loader arm with SmartLoad technology, giving the operator an additional 26 inches of reach. With a hinge-pin height of 109 inches, the telescoping loader arm allows material to be lifted over the side of a Dumpster or truck, giving you the same kind of versatility you would get from a skid steer or compact track loader.

Toro integrated the hydraulics and loader arm functions into one thumb-operated controller for easier, more natural operation. One hand can be used to operate the loader arm and auxiliary attachments, while the other hand operates the Toro traction controls.

“We understand that everyone needs a bit more punch, so we equipped this with a 37-horsepower Yanmar diesel with 3,000 rpms,” Thaker says. The pressure-relieving quick-coupler system makes connecting attachments simple and quick, and a larger operator platform increases operator comfort.

With a wheelbase of 39 inches and overall length with bucket of 103 inches, the TX 1300 maintains the small footprint the Dingo line is known for. But it also offers bigger capabilities than previous models, with a tip capacity of 3,714 pounds and a weight of 3,858 pounds.

The Dingo TX 1300 will be available starting this winter.

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Work has begun on what will eventually become an outer loop around Lubbock, Texas, starting with transforming a two-lane rural road into a six-lane freeway.

The entire seven-phase project, expected to take 20 years to complete, has been in planning for more than 10 years, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. On November 8, the department held a groundbreaking on the first two construction phases, covering 4 miles of the planned 36-mile loop.

Phases 3A and 3B are expected to take up to five years to complete at a cost of $155 billion. Sacyr Construction USA of Miami won the construction contract.

The project involves transforming FM 1585 into a freeway with frontage roads, bridges and ramps. The current road handles about 50,000 to 60,000 vehicles a day, and the loop is designed to handle future traffic for the growing city.

Crews will begin work by creating retention ponds at four locations before beginning work on an underground drainage system, according to TxDOT. The DOT plans to keep one lane of traffic open in each direction throughout construction.

Phases 3A and 3B are the first of seven phases along the 12.4-mile Segment 3 of the Loop 88 corridor. Segment 3 extends from U.S. 87 to U.S. 62/82 in Wolfforth and will cost an estimated $600 million.

Phase 3C, which includes the U.S. 87 interchange, is scheduled for construction to begin in 2026.

“We’re excited to finally turn dirt and see the hard work the TxDOT Lubbock District has put into research, public meetings and roadway designs becoming a reality,” said Michael Wittie, TxDOT Lubbock area engineer.

Lubbock Loop 88 will eventually create an outer loop around the west and south areas of Lubbock. Its construction phases are broken down into four segments, with each segment having five different sections. Bid lettings for future phases of Segment 3 are scheduled out until October 2031.

 

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A U.S. appeals court has extended the temporary stay of the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate until the case makes its way through the court system.

The 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals based in New Orleans ordered November 12 that the vaccine requirements for businesses of 100 or more workers remain stayed and that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration take no further action to enforce its emergency temporary standard while a legal challenge makes its way through the court system.

The court ruled that OSHA overstepped its authority in requiring that employees of larger businesses be vaccinated against Covid-19 by January 4 or that they undergo weekly testing and wear a mask. The mask requirement for unvaccinated workers was to take effect December 5.

The court said “the stay is firmly in the public interest” and “the mandate has contributed to untold economic upheaval in recent months.”

“The public interest is also served by maintaining our constitutional structure and maintaining the liberty of individuals to make intensely personal decisions according to their own convictions – even, or perhaps particularly, when those decisions frustrate government officials,” the ruling said.

The order comes a week after the court issued a temporary stay on the mandate. It stems from a petition for review from a multitude of plaintiffs from several states, including the Trosclair family-owned supermarkets and businesses in Louisiana; the states of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, South Carolina and Utah; and various other businesses and groups.

They argue that the mandate adversely affects businesses that are already facing a worker shortage, and it would make it more difficult to hire and keep employees.

OSHA’s response to the petition says the emergency standard “is necessary to address a grave danger” and that the “legal objections lack merit.”

OSHA has also argued that the emergency standard is not a mandate because employees have a choice on whether to get vaccinated or get tested.

The standard does not require employers to pay for weekly Covid testing, and Covid vaccines are free. However, employers would be required to pay for time off for workers to get tested and vaccinated, as well as time off for any side effects from the vaccine.

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EquipmentShare’s Genie GTH-1056 donning an American flag and military fatigue wrap is more than just a patriotic tribute to veterans and service members. Nicknamed “Tele-Hero”, 10 percent of the telehandler’s rental proceeds will be donated to Welcome Home Inc. and Hire Heroes USA, organizations that help veterans find safe housing and employment resources.

EquipmentShare expects to donate more than $3,400 annually from Tele-Hero’s rental proceeds alone. The initiative is part of the company’s broader philanthropic mission and workforce development initiatives that include supporting and hiring those who wore the uniform.

“I and the rest of the Genie team take great pride in supporting our customers and equipment rental partners with quality equipment that achieves their business goals,” says Genie president Simon Meester. “We are especially proud when it supports a deserving cause like honoring our veterans, and we are honored that EquipmentShare selected the GTH-1056 for its Tele-Hero initiative.” 

“We hope that the Tele-Hero demonstrates our commitment to veterans and serves as a call to action for more employers to open their doors and offer fulfilling work to our heroes,” says EquipmentShare CEO and co-founder Jabbok Schlacks.

During the unveiling, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mark Ayers was present to accept a full-time position at EquipmentShare’s Tyler, Texas, branch. Ayers worked with Hiring Our Heroes and the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program to be placed in an internship with EquipmentShare during the final months of his active duty military service.

EquipmentShare is currently developing its own workforce development programs to encourage veterans and service members to explore employment opportunities in the equipment and construction industries.  

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LEDs boost light levels and run time on Generac’s new light tower

Generac announced a new mobile light tower, the GLT with LED light fixtures that offers up to 20 percent longer run time than previous models. The GLT’s flexible platform design enables you to use it as a mobile or stationary light tower.

With 48 gallons of fuel, the GLT will give you 200 hours of run time. The four Generac G4 LED lights provide maximum illumination while consuming less power to give you 200 hours of run time on a full (48-gallon) tank of fuel. The high-efficiency LED lights also allow for faster start-ups with no waiting for warm up or cool down.

A steel enclosure wraps around the unit to create an integrated fuel containment system that holds up to 110% of the unit’s fluids and thus prevents fluid spills. And the mast is available with hydraulic, electric or manual options. The GLT will be available for ordering in the first quarter of 2022.

The DeWalt Power Stack delivers 50-percent more power in a 25-percent smaller footprint.DeWalt

Smaller, more powerful and it fits on your old tools

The new 20-volt Max Power Stack is DeWalt’s most powerful, compact and lightweight lithium-ion battery platform to date. According to the company, it has twice the power and a 25 percent smaller footprint compared to DeWalt 2 amp-hour compact batteries. It is designed to fit with any of DeWalt’s 20-volt Max tools and chargers, and it features an impact-resistant, over-molded base with a non-marring material. The charger is also compatible with all DeWalt 12-volt Max, 20-volt Max and Flexvolt Batteries.

“Access Your World” provides JLG customers with information about products and services at any time and at their own pace.JLG

JLG adds new virtual-reality scenario to training platform

Virtual reality is a great way to train new operators, especially on machines where mistakes can be costly. JLG has been compiling a portfolio of telehandler training scenarios in its “Access Your World” platform, the latest of which is an indoor/outdoor retail complex that showcases detailed, 3-D equipment models being used in multiple stages of construction and experience using JLG equipment in these applications.

The company also has an augmented-reality app that includes five tools:

·        Machine Visualization

·         Kit visualization

·         Operation guidance

·         Decal viewer

·         Inspection assistance

Previous virtual reality scenarios include maintenance work, steel erection, and fit and finish work inside a stadium. You can read more about those here: Product Briefs: Explore Virtual Lift Scenarios with JLG’s Access Your World.

ccess tight spaces up high with Skyjack’s new XStep

In places where the full platform of your scissor lift is blocked from going higher, Skyjack’s XStep enables you to get 19 inches of additional work height. XStep is mounted on the mid-rail of the scissor lift. The top rail design and height provide operators with the same degree of security as a conventional platform, and the base swings down to save space when not in use. The XStep is retrofittable to previous Skyjack models without the need for tools, and one person can do the job. It is also available as a factor fit or field install option. XStep is the latest addition to Skyjack’s Accessoryzers line of accessories.

Users can see the real-time status of their Pettibone telehandler with X-Command.Pettibone

Pettibone telematics gives you real-time insights into machine health

A new telematics program from Pettibone called X-Command is designed for the company’s X-series telehandlers, Cary-Lift pipe and pole handlers, and Speed Swing rail maintenance machines. With the telematics you get real-time access to data such as machine location, fuel use, diesel exhaust fluid level, and battery voltage.

The information allows superintendents and maintenance personnel to diagnose machine performance and issues to increase uptime and reduce emergency repairs in the field. X-Command comes standard for two years on new Pettibone X-Series Extendo and Traverse telehandlers, and it is also available as a retrofit for existing X-Series models in the field. The system is optional on new sales of Cary-Lift material handlers and on Speed Swing.

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Stellar has rolled out a new lightweight, corrosion-resistant truck service body that can handle up to a 4,000-pound crane.

Designed as a mechanic’s field truck for utility and construction contractors, the new TMAX 16K aluminum service body can be equipped with Stellar’s EC3200 Aluminum Telescopic Crane, which weighs 500 pounds, 230 pounds less than its steel counterpart. The compact aluminum telescopic crane delivers 3,200 pounds of lift capacity and 15 feet of horizontal reach.

The lighter weight of the crane and service body allow for increased truck payload, the company says.

“We’re all about trying to get more payload options for people,” said Adam Opperman, Stellar product manager, at the Utility Expo in September. “So that’s why we do aluminum; it’s lighter than steel, and it’s also more corrosion resistant than steel.”

Stellar’s Light-Duty Mechanic Cranes are powered, controlled and monitored by the hand-held, remote-control Stellar Crane Dynamics Technology.

Stellar’s EC3200 aluminum crane can lift 3,200 pounds.StellarThe TMAX series includes an aluminum extrusion compartment top that has two built-in accessory mounting rails, so you don’t have to drill holes to mount equipment. The rails make removing and attaching accessories easy and reduce water intrusion into the compartments, according to Stellar.

The extruded compartment top also has wire harness channels inside the compartments for storing wires out of the way. Other features include stainless-steel billet style hinges, three-point stainless-steel compression latches, double spring over center door closures and undercoating for corrosion resistance. The body is painted with a two-part polyurethane enamel paint for added protection and visual appeal, according to Stellar.

Contractors who need a welder body might also want to check out Stellar’s TMAC 1-11, which features a 30-inch workbench bumper with slide-out tray to serve as a workstation for torch cutting and welding.

“The trays’ removable support slates allow for blow-through to the ground, keeping your workspace clean, and the 2-inch V channel that run the length of bumper make for easy clamping,” the company says.

The welder body is equipped for Stellar’s TC Series Cranes, which also use hand-held remote control.

Stellar TMAX 1-11 Welder BodyStellar 

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South Carolina’s “Malfunction Junction” will eventually earn the name of “Carolina Crossroads” as work is scheduled to begin this month on untangling the congested, dangerous interchange at I-20, I-26 and I-126 in Columbia.

The reconstruction – South Carolina’s largest infrastructure project in its history – is estimated to cost $1.7 billion and take eight years to complete. Gov. Henry McMaster and other dignitaries attended a groundbreaking Monday, and the SCDOT says work will begin in two weeks.

The work involves widening 14 miles of interstate highway in five phases. A joint venture of Archer Western and United Infrastructure won the $210 million contract for the first phase. It will include reconfiguring the Colonial Life Boulevard interchange on I-126, as well as improvements on I-26 toward U.S. 378.

Archer-United also won the $127 million contract for the second phase, which will update the Broad River Road interchange at I-20 and lengthen the I-20 westbound access to I-26 West. Both phases are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The remaining three phases have not yet been awarded. 

The rebirth of “Malfunction Junction” into Carolina Crossroads will occur in five phases.SCDOTAlong with widening 14 miles of interstate, the entire project involves building 43 new bridges and 132 new lane miles; reconstructing seven interchanges, including replacing outdated cloverleaf loops with modern ramps; and creating safer interchange exits that are farther apart and separated from other interstate traffic, according to SCDOT. The project is funded 90% federal and 10% state. 

The three-interstate interchange is traveled by more than 134,000 vehicles each day, SCDOT says, causing more than 112 hours of traffic delays each year due to congestion.

The roadways are outdated, built in the 1950s and 1960s with the last updates in the 1970s and 1980s, according to SCDOT. The region is also expected to see a 70% population increase by 2024, causing even more traffic congestion. The agency says the interchange sees a higher crash rate than other freeway-to-freeway systems in the state.

 

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